Clap (Gonorrhea)

Clap (Gonorrhea)

“Clap” is the colloquial term for an infection with gonorrhea, which is transmitted by sexual contact. Gonorrhea is one of the oldest known sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In women infected with this bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhea), 25-40% will also be infected with another bacteria that can cause another STD called chlamydia. Gonorrhea is not transmitted from toilet seats as is commonly believed. More than half of women infected with gonorrhea have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include burning or frequent urination, yellowish vaginal discharge, redness and swelling of the genitals, and a burning or itching in the vaginal area. Untreated, gonorrhea can lead to severe pelvic inflamatory disease and blindness in the newborn. Silver nitrate eye drops are commonly given to newborns to provent this problem.